It’s a bright and colourful future ahead for Ferny Grove State High School students as the $21.1-million Centre of Excellence officially opens, whilst construction of a new $12-million multi-purpose hall is set to start soon.
Built under the 2020 Ready Program, the new three-storey centre comprises 22 new learning spaces, three flexible learning areas, a STEM specialist studio, four science labs, five collaborative spaces, staff rooms, offices and amenities.
Photo credit: Ferny Grove State High School / Facebook
“Nothing short of world-class,” is how Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk described the new STEM centre which she said will give students a chance to discover their passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths.
She furthered that since STEM jobs are in high demand, the Government is investing $81.4 million in engaging primary school students in STEM education across the state.
“By providing facilities like these at Ferny Grove, we’re giving students the skills they need for the jobs of the future.”
Photo credit: Ferny Grove State High School / fernygroveshs.eq.edu.au
Photo credit: Ferny Grove State High School / Facebook
Photo credit: Ferny Grove State High School / Facebook
Photo credit: Ferny Grove State High School / Facebook
Minister Grace also announced that the $12.1 million sport and performing arts centre comprising two multi-purpose courts, performance stage, box office and foyer, along with a wide range of support spaces and offices, is also ready for construction. The project, along with the refurbishment and extension of the school’s administration building will be ready for the start of the 2021 school year.
“As a community we have embraced this wonderful new learning centre at our school that is providing our students with access to world-class facilities,” Principal John Schuh said.
“And I know the students are really looking forward to the development of the new sports and performing arts centre.”
The Centre of Learning Excellence was officially opened by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Education Minister Grace Grace, and Mark Furner MP for Ferny Grove last 4 March 2020.
About 2020 Ready Program
The 2020 Ready Program aims to deliver additional schools to support the growing population in state secondary schools following the introduction of Prep in 2007.
The Department of Education is investing a total of $250 million over two years to deliver new classrooms and educational infrastructure to accommodate the six full cohorts of students who will occupy state high schools across Queensland in 2020.
The project is set to benefit a total 61 schools across the state, ensuring that they will be able to meet the demand for additional educational facilities and structures to accommodate the 17,000 students entering high school beginning 2020.
